KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 84
Tiny Island, In昀椀nite Charm: A Luxury Stay at
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru
Perfectly tiny, perfectly formed. At just 350 metres long, this petite private island in the South Ari Atoll could be walked in minutes. And yet, it
delivers one of the most rich, romantic, and rewarding resort experiences anywhere in the Indian Ocean.
With contemporary villas, gorgeous lagoon views, powder-white sand,
and 昀氀ower-fringed paths perfumed with frangipani,
Maafushivaru o昀昀ers a seamless fusion of barefoot luxury, high-end
dining, and authentic Maldivian warmth. It’s small — yes — but it
punches far above its size and price. For those who value luxury, a warm
atmosphere, aesthetics, and soul over celebrity glitz, this resort may just
be paradise perfected.
Arrival & First Impressions
A scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé sets the tone, with turquoise atolls shimmering below. On arrival, a cheerful welcome awaits
on the wooden jetty, followed by a seamless check-in that whisks guests
from the water to their villa in minutes.
From the moment you touch the soft, 昀氀our-昀椀ne sand, Maafushivaru’s
scale starts to charm. Meandering sandy paths are lined with
blossoming tropical plants, coconut palms, and high roofed attractive
villas. There are no vehicles (bar the odd gold buggy). No noise. Just the
gentle soundtrack of the sea and rustling trees.
The Villas
The Sunset Overwater Villas with Pool are the jewel in the crown —
modern, spacious sanctuaries perched over the lagoon, with west-facing
views and full privacy. Inside, interiors are sleek and contemporary with
white and soft wood tones, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic glass doors.
Each open plan villa o昀昀ers a large bedroom, lounge space, king-size
bed, and luxe touches like a Nespresso machine and wine fridge. It’s
a practical con昀椀guration as you can slide the interior doors shut if you
wish - handy if someone’s indulging in an ocean view bath time soak
whilst someone else wants to watch a movie in bed in peace.
Step outside and a wide deck awaits, furnished with sunbeds, table and
chairs, sofa, and your own large private in昀椀nity pool overlooking the
ocean. A much appreciated practical touch was the large roof
covering half the deck, providing welcome shade and also protection
from the rain. If you love storm watching as I do, you can revel at the
stunning pyrotechnic drama in the sky yet keep perfectly dry. Steps
from teh deck to the sea below mean you can descend directly into the
lagoon, ideal for early morning swims or sunset 昀氀oating. These villas
feature indoor bathrooms, elegantly designed with a large bathtub, rain
shower, and dual vanities — stylish and comfortable, with everything
you’d expect from a high-end retreat.
For a more grounded island experience, the Beach Pool Villas are also
impressive. Nestled among 昀氀ower-rich foliage just steps from the beach,
these villas have charming semi-open-air bathrooms, allowing you to
shower or bathe beneath the stars surrounded by tropical plants. Each
villa has its own courtyard garden, a generous indoor space with lounge
area, and a spacious private pool. Perfect for couples or honeymooners
who want both privacy and the tactile feel of island living.
Dining & Drinks
For a small island, Maafushivaru delivers in a big way when it comes to
culinary variety.
Cuisine Gallery is the resort’s main restaurant, open for breakfast and
dinner. It o昀昀ers a mix of bu昀昀et and live-cooking stations, serving international favourites with local and seasonal 昀氀air. You’ll 昀椀nd fresh tropical
fruits, Maldivian curries, Mediterranean classics, and themed nights
that rotate throughout the week.
Moodhu Grill, set near the beach, o昀昀ers elegant à la carte dinners with a
focus on premium meats and fresh seafood. With candlelit tables under
swaying palms, it’s ideal for a romantic evening.
seared wagyu, grilled lobster, garlic fried rice — served with theatrical
昀氀air and a side of fun.
Edgewater Bar is the island’s daytime social hub. Located next to the
main pool, it’s perfect for smoothies, cocktails, and all-day lounging
with sea views.
The hidden gem is Kofee ‘n Chill — a chic air-conditioned café serving
barista co昀昀ee, frappes, light bites, pastries, and sweets. It’s a go-to
for guests craving a quiet moment or a cool place to read, browse, or
recharge.
And for something truly magical, Destination Dining o昀昀ers private dinners set up on the beach, on a sandbank, or in the privacy of your villa
— with bespoke menus and candlelight guiding the way.
I was genuinely really impressed by the quality and variety of the dining
and drinks in all venues.
The Experience
Life at Maafushivaru 昀氀ows to the rhythm of nature. Early risers may
begin with yoga at sunrise or a solo swim in the lagoon. Others take
breakfast on their terrace followed by snorkelling on the house reef,
which is home to a vibrant community of 昀椀sh, reef sharks, and corals
just a few 昀椀n-kicks from the shore.
The island’s marine biologist o昀昀ers reef talks and guided snorkelling
trips, and the resort arranges excursions to swim with manta rays and
turtles.
Back on land, the Navasana Spa o昀昀ers a wide menu of massages, facials,
and body rituals in tranquil treatment rooms surrounded by greenery.
The sta昀昀 are gracious and well-trained, with treatments drawing from
Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian traditions. The spa area is gorgeous
with an in昀椀nity pool over the ocean. There’s also a fully equipped 昀椀tness
centre with wonderful ocean views, a boutique, library, and a photography studio for guests wanting to capture their stay professionally.
Why It Punches Way Above Its Price
Maafushivaru stands out not because it tries to be the 昀氀ashiest resort,
but because it is thoughtfully designed, beautifully managed, and
genuinely warm. The sta昀昀 are a huge part of its charm — friendly,
attentive, and engaging without ever being intrusive. From bartenders
who remember your order to housekeepers who add personal touches,
the service feels heartfelt. Unlike larger resorts, nothing here is overly
commercial or cookie-cutter. There’s a something very special. Unlike
many smaller islands, Maafushivaru o昀昀ers space, privacy, and a surprising number of culinary and activity choices. And its all inclusive plan is
extensive and provides a welcome worry free experience, what ever your
drink and dining tastes.
Final Thoughts
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru is the kind of resort that wins your
heart quietly. It doesn’t shout about luxury. It simply lives it — with soft
sands, glowing sunsets, gentle hospitality, and the scent of frangipani
昀氀owers in the air. Whether you’re 昀氀oating in your villa’s pool at golden
hour, sipping a cappuccino at Kofee ‘n Chill, or dining on grilled lobster
under the stars, Maafushivaru delivers the best of the Maldives — in its
own thoughtful, soulful way. It may be a small island, but it o昀昀ers an experience that feels in昀椀nitely large. It’s absolutely one of my favourites
(and I’ve stayed at a LOT of top Maldives resorts). I’d honestly come
back in a heartbeat. (with the family next time!).
For more information and to book:
https://www.outrigger.com/maldives/maldives-maafushivaru-resort
By Lisa Curtiss
For something more interactive, Koto Teppanyaki delivers 昀氀air and 昀椀re.
Chefs prepare Japanese fusion dishes right before you on a hot plate —
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
PAGE 84
